Adapter, mask, and system for detecting concentration of carbon dioxide

Abstract

An adapter is configured to be coupled with a mask that is adapted to be attached on a face of a subject to supply air or oxygen gas to an airway of the subject. A base defines a ventilation path adapted to be communicated with an exhaust hole formed in the mask. A retainer is configured to removably retain a sensor including a light detecting element configured to output a signal corresponding to concentration of carbon dioxide as detected optically. The ventilation path is located on a path of light that is to be incident on the light detecting element.

1 . An adapter configured to be coupled with a mask that is adapted to be attached on a face of a subject to supply air or oxygen gas to an airway of the subject, the adapter comprising:
 a base defining a ventilation path adapted to be communicated with an exhaust hole formed in the mask; and   a retainer configured to removably retain a sensor including a light detecting element configured to output a signal corresponding to concentration of carbon dioxide as detected optically,   wherein the ventilation path is located on a path of light that is to be incident on the light detecting element.   
     
     
         2 . The adapter according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a holder holding liquid containing dye a color of which changes in accordance with a pH value corresponding to the concentration of carbon dioxide,   wherein the holder is located on the path of light.   
     
     
         3 . The adapter according to  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a support provided with a protrusion configured to support the holder,   wherein the ventilation path is defined by a recess formed in the base; and   wherein as the support is attached to the base such that the protrusion is inserted into the recess, the holder is clamped between the protrusion and the recess.   
     
     
         4 . The adapter according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a cushion part adapted to contact an outer face of the mask, and having higher flexibility than the base and the retainer.   
     
     
         5 . The adapter according to  claim 4 ,
 wherein the cushion part has adhesiveness with respect to the outer face of the mask.   
     
     
         6 . The adapter according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an engagement member adapted to mechanically engage with the exhaust hole.   
     
     
         7 . The adapter according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein a channel cross-section of the ventilation path is larger than a channel cross-section of the exhaust hole.   
     
     
         8 . A mask adapted to be attached on a face of a subject to supply air or oxygen gas to an airway of the subject, the mask comprising:
 a body section formed with at least one exhaust hole; and   an adapter disposed on the body section so as to cover the exhaust hole,   wherein the adapter includes:
 a base defining a ventilation path adapted to be communicated with an exhaust hole formed in the mask; and 
 a retainer configured to removably retain a sensor including a light detecting element configured to output a signal corresponding to concentration of carbon dioxide as detected optically, 
   wherein the ventilation path is located on a path of light that is to be incident on the light detecting element.   
     
     
         9 . The mask according to  claim 8 ,
 wherein the body section is formed with multiple exhaust holes; and   wherein the adapter is attached such that at least one of the exhaust holes is exposed.   
     
     
         10 . A system for detecting concentration of carbon dioxide, comprising:
 a mask adapted to be attached on a face of a subject to supply air or oxygen gas to an airway of the subject;   an adapter disposed on the mask so as to cover at least one exhaust hole formed in the mask; and   a sensor including a light detecting element configured to output a signal corresponding to concentration of carbon dioxide as detected optically,   wherein the adapter includes:
 a base defining a ventilation path adapted to be communicated with an exhaust hole formed in the mask; and 
 a retainer configured to removably retain the sensor, 
   wherein the ventilation path is located on a path of light that is to be incident on the light detecting element.   
     
     
         11 . The system according to  claim 10 ,
 wherein the signal corresponds to a color of dye that changes in accordance with a pH value corresponding to the concentration of carbon dioxide.   
     
     
         12 . The system according to  claim 10 ,
 wherein the signal corresponds to intensity of infrared light incident on the light detecting element.